TEXARKANA, Ark.- After 16 years of planning and $36 million worth of investing, hundreds of spectators were glad to see dirt flying at the Texarkana Regional Airport Saturday.
The flying dirt resulted from the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony, which finally marked the construction start of the airport's future, 40,000-square-foot passenger terminal. The terminal is projected to be finished and opened in the spring of 2024.
"What a great day for our (two) cities," said Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor Allen Brown. "We are here in 2021 to proudly announce a new terminal to better serve our customers and community."
Brown said the effort to eventually build a new terminal resulted from the vision that both cities' leaders started back in 1928 - when municipal officials decided to buy what started out as the airport's first 190 aces.
"Without a doubt, airports are important to economic development and to help create a fertile business climate by providing local businesses with access to the global market,"Brown said. "They also help retain and attract business to a community while providing jobs for a positive financial impact to the area. Successful economic development is also built on partnerships and a shared vision, so I am extremely proud of the great working relationship between our city, our airport and AR-TX REDI."
Brown went on to say that the Texarkana area has a rich history of visionary leaders who have worked to promote the need to have and keep an airport.
"For us to be successful in today's ever-changing economy, it's critical to understand our strengths and opportunities," he said. "The airport and the new terminal represent both - and it's a tremendous asset for our community and with this upgrade, we are providing opportunities for our future."
Brown went on to thank the Airport Authority Board members as well as Airport Executive Director Paul Mehrlich for their efforts to forge ahead with the construction.
"This new terminal shows we are a progressive community and willing to invest in the future - for our citizens, for our businesses and for the growth we want to see for our city," Brown added.
Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman said that since that first municipal land purchase back in 1928, the airport has since expanded to cover 964 acres.
"Besides the potential for economic growth, this terminal, once completed, will also provide a new first impression for people who fly in,"Bruggeman said.
For his part Mehrlich thanked former Airport Executive Director Steve Luebbert for initiating the effort to start building the terminal, as far back as at least 2004.
Dale Morris, director of government affairs for American Airlines, agreed.
"Steve Luebbert was always there for us," he said.